Space Traffic Integration into ATM

Abstract

The development in commercial space Transportation is strongly driven by a growing demand for payload capacities. New satellite constellations are expected to meet the need for global coverage and interconnectivity. New business ideas make use of low-cost satellite technology and use modern capabilities for remote sensing. For the transport of payloads, more cost-effective and flexible launch concepts are being developed. This also enables the use of new launch and landing infrastructures in Europe. However, the operation of such spaceports and the operation of space flights must be integrated into the European air transport system. The presentation presents the main challenges of this integration effort and provides an overview of the essential interfaces between the space and aviation domains. From this, the requirements for safe and interoperable joint operation are derived and the ongoing work of DLR in this area is presented.